Voice Activated Quilting?

Dear Janome,

I don't have full use of my right leg at this time.  I've retrained myself to do many things with the left side of my body, but don't have sufficient coordination to manage a pedal with my left foot.  The Start/Stop button on my Horizon is a BIG help.  I can piece quilts easily without a foot pedal or knee lifter.  But free motion quilting requires two hands on the fabric at all times.  So how do I start and stop the machine?

Then it occured to me - we have voice-activated word processors, phones, and even cars!  We have the tehnology!  So why not make a voice activated Start/Stop function on a sewing machine?!

It sometimes feels there are so many things I CAN'T do.  So I am actively seeking things I CAN continue to do with modification or adaptive equipment.  Please help make this a reality not just for me, but for those folks who are wheelchair bound, and wish to continue to do meaningful work, despite their physical challenges.  

I hope you will take this earnest request to heart.  Thanks for listening!

Quilter Chris

Janome Horizon - Part 2

I DID IT!!  I tested the Janome Horizon, decided that this is the machine for me, and made a downpayment.  Today the dealer was willing to take $500.00 off, and include a carrying case on wheels, large quilting thread spindles, and more.

I'll have to wait a few days for it to come in, but YAHOO!  May 1st can't come fast enough!

Of course, now I'm wondering if I was too impulsive....but heck...I got 30 years of life out of my last (and only) sewing machine.  I bought it as a teenager with my babysitting money. Even back then I wanted a Pfaff, Bernina or Singer, but had to settle for the Kenmore.  I think I've waited long enough!  :)

Janome Horizon

My quest to find the "right" sewing machine continues.  Today my friend Amy and I visited a Janome dealer.  The sales rep had just been to a training session in Chicago, where they unveiled the Janome Horizon.  Here's a sneak peek: http://www.janomespecials.com/newmc/


OMG - 11" from the needle to the base of the machine!  The dealer will be getting a floor model in tomorrow, so we'll be back to try it out on Thursday.

We both had thought the Baby Lock Espire (aka The Quilter's Dream) was fabulous, but the Horizon is decidedly dreamier.  We also learned that Baby Lock machines are made by Brother.  THAT's why the March 2009 Consumer Report on sewing machines does not include Baby Lock. 
 
If you're looking for a good used machine at an economical price, a lot of Janome 660 owners will be trading up to the Horizon. So there will be some used 660's available soon.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

They say change is never easy...but I disagree!  Went to an EQ6 demo Monday night.  It was a small class (4 of us) so we got to ask a lot of questions.  After seeing the demo and chatting with users, I knew I had to buy it. 

Next decision: What to do about my perfectly awful, old, malfunctioning sewing machine? I have a philosophy about staying on a budget: Stay out of the stores, and you won't know what you're missing!  But this  decision requires getting out and testing new machines.  Truly, I was better off not knowing what I was missing. 

After taking a Baby Lock for a test drive, using the automatic needle threader, needle down feature, speed control, thread cutter and no foot pedal.... I'm just amazed at what I've been missing.  A local sewing machine shop is selling the Aspire for $1800.00.  From everything I've heard, that's a great price!  I also looked at some Vikings.  I love the 10" between needle and the base of the machine.  But the Viking I would want is $2100.00 and has fewer of the features I'm looking for. 

No matter which way I go, I DEFINITELY need to make a change!  I have seen the light! :)